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Manchester United conceded three goals for the 24th time since Erik ten Hag took charge on Thursday and it needed a last-gasp equaliser from Harry Maguire to secure a point from the game against FC Porto.
The defence, despite being strengthened in the summer, has continued to leak goals, conceding three goals in three games already this season.
Lisandro Martinez looks like a shadow of his former self while new recruit Matthijs de Ligt was ripped to shreds by Porto’s No 9 Samu Omorodion.
Ten Hag’s decision to keep playing Diogo Dalot on the left has continued to backfire with the Portuguese struggling, which once again prompts the question: why did United not sign a specialist left-back in the summer?
Why a right-back in the summer?
Instead, the Red Devils decided to invest in another right-back in Noussair Mazraoui, who has been one of the standout stars so far this campaign.
It is clear that INEOS now need to focus on the opposite flank but Givemesport have claimed that the 20-time English league champions are now eyeing another right-back next summer.
Lille’s Tiago Santos has impressed for the French club so far this season, registering two assists while helping keep five clean sheets including one in the Champions League against defending champions Real Madrid.
His performances have meant plenty of clubs have come calling and despite having a contract with Lille until 2028, the Portuguese star is looking to jump ship in 2025.
One of his most valuable traits is the fact that he can play all across the right flank including as a winger and that sort of versatility could be a huge boon for potential suitors.
“Manchester United, Aston Villa and Wolves are among a host of admirers to have been keeping tabs on Santos over the course of the last 12 months, according to GMS sources, and they have been boosted ahead of potentially attempting to lure him away from Lille as he is expected to embark on a fresh challenge in 2025.
Another right-back next summer?
“Manchester United, Aston Villa and Wolves are also in serious danger of facing further competition for Santos’ signature if it becomes clear that a move is on the cards next year as GMS sources have learned that big-hitting Champions League outfits are on course to enter the market for him.”
AC Milan failed with a bid in the summer while Juventus were also interested and if he breaks through to the Portugal senior team, plenty more big sides are expected to come calling.
Lille will not let go of the 22-year-old on the cheap, and he is currently valued at €15 million as per Transfermarkt. He is likely to fetch more.
He could potentially solve the problems on the right wing should Antony depart due to his versatility while also doubling up as a backup right-back.
But whether he should be the signing INEOS should pursue, we are not quite sure. A gaping hole exists on the opposite side and unless they are planning to offload Dalot or Mazraoui, it makes little sense to add another right-back.
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